Germany is recently becoming a magnet for international students from all over the world. It is a paradise for higher education with worldwide ranked universities, countless courses to choose among, globally valued degrees that promise a high employability and affordable living costs.
Universities: They focuses on research and provide both undergraduate, postgraduate degrees and doctorate.
In 2014, Germany’s 16 states abolished tuition fees for undergraduate students at all public German universities. This means that currently both domestic and international undergraduates at public universities in Germany can study for free, with just a small fee to cover administration and other costs per semester.
The universities usually have two intakes in a year – summer and winter. Winter semester starts in September/October and ends in February/March, whereas the Summer semester starts in April and ends in July/August.
If you want to apply at universities in Germany, two dates you should keep in mind. These are January 15th and July 15th if you want to join the university in winter semester (October). Applications can be submitted from the period beginning of admission (start of June) to 15th July. If you want to join the summer semester (April) the submission period is from the beginning of December to 15th January.
In order for you to apply at a German university there is a need to submit the following documents:
All the students must complete minimum 12 th grade to get an admission at an undergraduate level. The candidates should possess at least 60% in 12 th grade to gain an admission in majority of the institutions. The basic checklist for any undergraduate level education is as follows:
Also, note that if you haven’t attended any year of master studies in India you will only be allowed to study in certain subjects as they expect you to complete a preparatory course.
Indian students who want to study in Germany for a Master degree must submit the following documents:
Good command of German and/or English language is an essential factor for your overall success in your academic studies in Germany. Teaching lessons at the German higher education institutions are primarily delivered in a German language.
There are also international academic studies available, which, due to their international format, tent to cover lessons in an English language. However, these programs often come in a combination with teachings in a German or further foreign language.
To participate in a Bachelor study program in Germany taught in German language, you must attest that you’ve skills in such language of minimum B2 level.
Participation in a Master’s German study programme requires knowledge of the German language of a B2 to C1 level at least.
There are no common German language requirements, you may encounter as a foreign candidate for a doctoral study degree in Germany. German language requirements for taking up a Doctoral study course in Germany are autonomously regulated by admission regulations of the respective educational provider.
Depending on the previous knowledge and your school certificates from your home country, you will be prepared for passing the assessment test successfully. You may have to complete a foundation year (University preparatory course) if you want to get enrolled into a German University. University preparatory courses in Germany are not offered by all the state or public universities there. You may have to approach private universities and institutes, that offer Studienkolleg courses if you would like to complete at the earliest.
It is important to know, that you need to pass an assessment test (Feststellungsprüfung) at a public university and not a university of applied sciences, if you want to study in a university. In case you want to study at a technical university or a university of applied sciences or other type of university, your assessment test at a public university will be approved. Even though you could do your preparations from a private institution your assessment test can only be done at a public university.
Public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for undergraduate courses for the domestic and international students. This is because most of these colleges are funded by the government. However, private institutions may still charge tuition fees. In private colleges, tuition fees can go up to 20,000EUR per year. Tuition fees are also payable for most Masters and Ph.D. programs
The cost of living in Germany is quite reasonable compared to other European countries. You will need around 934 euros a month to cover your living expenses in Germany. The prices for food, accommodation, bills, clothes, and entertainment are basically in line with the EU average.
It is very important to prove at the time of visa application process that you have adequate financial resources. You can choose yourself where to set up your blocked account. The blocked account must have sufficient credit in order to cover the costs arising for the duration of your planned stay in Germany, unless other proof of financial support is presented during the visa procedure.
From 1 January 2023, the presumed annual requirement that must be paid into the blocked account when applying for a visa will increase to 11,208 euros. This increased amount applies to all visa applications submitted from 1st of January 2023.
As an international student, you are allowed to take up part-time employment along with your studies while in Germany. Here are a few things you need to keep in mind though.
You can work for a total of 120 full or 240 half days in a year as a student. This, however, might vary from high employment regions to low employment regions. Usually, as per university norms, a student would not be allowed to work for more than 20 hours in a week during term. Students, however, can take up full-time employment during vacations. When it comes to working within the University, though, the working hours and wages are completed differently. In fact, they are far better and you can work for long hours as well.
The Immigration Laws permit the students to apply for and get a Residence Permit of 18 months to look for a job as per their qualification.
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